Click to enlarge

Great Model Railroads Allen Keller Vol 56 Cliff Powers Mississippi, Alabama and Gulf

Cliff Powers' Mississippi, Alabama & Gulf covers a rarely modeled part of the country, the South. His gorgeous HO layout runs from Meridian, Miss. to New Orleans in 1955. This is his 8th layout and contains all the techniques and best practices that he learned with his previous layouts. Freelancing is showcased here with small towns, gnarled oaks and piney woods that capture the essence of the Southland. The railroad is a tribute to small town life with all of its mini-scenes.

The MA&G is two decks now, but when finished it will boast 3 decks. All of this in a 14 x 32 foot portable building in his backyard. Cliff uses a unique double track helix that he designed himself to reach the different levels on this railroad.

In addition to trains from the MA&G, Cliff runs equipment from the Southern and the Gulf, Mobile & Ohio. His artistic talent with paint and chalks has made not only his scenes but his equipment completely believable. Cliff is a master builder with craftsman kits and kitbashing.

He says that model railroading is the most artistic of hobbies because it combines all aspects of creativity into one big project. He particularly enjoys the aesthetic and the problem solving challenges of the hobby. We all can learn from his examples.

Cliff will show you how to create plowed fields, add barbed wire to fence posts, customize your buildings and make realistic looking rusty roofs.

The MA&G is a Great Model Railroad because Cliff has convincingly recreated the South with his careful use of color, texture and first hand knowledge.